Ionization gauge



June 23, 1953 K. M. SIMPSON IONIZATION GAUGE Filed Jan. 1'7. 1947 /0 /2 "\f DIRECTION OF MAGNETIC FIELD INVEIV T01? M 5/MP50/V A TTOBNE Y Patented June 23, 1953 UNITED sTATE-Js PATENT OFFICE QIONIZZ LTZi ZAUGE -Kenne'th'M. 'Simpson, Santa Barbara, Calif., as-

signorto whe -United States of America as rep- ;re'sented :by the United States Atomic Energy Commission Application January :17, 1947, Serial No. 722.718

This invention relates to an improved ionization gauge for a mass spectrometer.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved ionization gauge of thePh'illips orPenning type employing the magnetic field of the mass spectrometer.

Other and further objects of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following specification, claims and drawing.

The present invention includes a .number of elements and features providing a novel and advantageous ionization gauge, and of these the following are noted:

1. The cathodes overhang the ring-shaped anode, rendering the calibration of the gauge substantially independent of magnetic field strength variation and of the orientation of the axis of the gauge with respect to the magnetic field over a wide range (of about :30).

2. A shield provided between the cathodes and the mass spectrometer beam prevents leakage of stray ions and electrons from the beam into the gauge, thus rendering the gauge sensitivity independent of mass spectrometer beam intensity when same is employed with a mass spectrometer or like instrument.

3. A. C. voltage is applied between the cathode and the anodes, the gauge performing its own rectification.

It is proposed to utilize the sharp threshhold of the pressure characteristic of this gauge for hunting gas leaks.

Referring to the drawing briefly, Figure 1 is a schematic showing of an embodiment of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram showing an embodiment of this invention; and

Fig. 3 shows constructional details of this invention.

Referring to the drawing in detail, reference numeral Ill designates an improved Phillips or Penning type pressure gauge positioned in the magnetic field H of the mass spectrometer. This improved pressure gauge basically includes a pair of cathodes II disposed on opposite sides of an anode l2, all of the electrodes being supported in an atmosphere, the pressure of which is to be determined. Qrdinarily, when measuring extremely low pressures, the ignition voltage of glow discharge is so high as to make it difficult or impossible to effect the ignition, and the current intensity of the discharge is so small that it could be measured only by extremely sensitive apparatus. Therefore, magnets are commonly 5.2 Claims. (o1. 250-41.9)

2 r disposed adjacent the electrodes for setting up a magnetic field thereby to amplify the current intensity and thus decrease the required ignition voltage, and in the present'invention it is contemplated that this magnetic field will be provided by the mass spectrometer or like device with which the invention is associated and that this magnetic field will encompass substantially the entire cathode area.

Considering the structural details of one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 3, it will be noted that gauge 10 is disposed internal to a mass spectrometer chamber defined by wall l5 shown in part only. Gauge Ii] is rigidly secured to a mounting plate M which is disposed about an aperture in the mass spectrometer wall I5. Mounting plate H has a cylindrical boss it formed thereon which extends through the aperture in wall l5 and by means of cooperating threads engages a clamping nut l1 exterior to the mass spectrometer chamber and in contact with wall [5 thereof. Mounting plate I4 is secured in position by tightening clamping nut I! which thereby draws plate I4 into intimate contact with wall l5, and annular gaskets 18 may provide about the aperture in wall l5 between plate 14 and wall l5 whereby a vacuum-tight seal is provided upon tightening clamping nut 11.

Gauge [0 includes a U-shaped member 2| extending into the mass spectrometer chamber with the closed end thereof innermost and member 2| may be secured in this position by screws 22 passing through flanges 23 formed at the open ends of member 2| and engaging plate I4, or any other suitable means providing rigid support of member 2!. A suitable connecting element such as a spark plug l3 extends through mounting plate H in vacuum-tight relation thereto to provide electrical connection from gauge I0 to the outside of the mass spectrometer chamber and to provide mechanical support for anode l2 of gauge [0 disposed within member 2|.

Cathodes ll, preferably in the form of substantially fiat rectangular plates, are secured one to each side of U-shaped member 21 to define a chamber within the U and extending from the closed end thereof approximately to the end of spark plug [3 which protrudes into the U as noted above. The chamber defined by cathodes I i and member 2| is open at the end facing mounting plate M to allow free gas communication and pressure equalization between the interior thereof and the mass spectrometer chamber.

Anode I2 may be advantageous by being formed in the shape of a ring having a diameter which is chamber and also that cathodes overhang anode l 2 so that discharge therebetween is substantially independent of magnetic field alignment within about :30 degrees and magnetic field intensity above a minimum dependentuponthe electrode potentials employed. As may be noted in Fig. 2, a regulated alter-- nating current voltage is applied, betweenthe.

cathode and the anodes, thegau'ge performing its own rectification. The sharp threshold of the. pressure characteristic of the gauge adapts it for hunting gas leaks which vary-the discharge current as indicated by meter 25 in the electrical circuit thereof. 7

. While I have described the salient features of this invention in detail with respect to one embodiment, it will of course be apparent that numerous modifications maybe made within the spirit and scope of this invention and I do not therefore desire to limit the invention to the exact details shown except in so far as they may be defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a mass spectrometer adapted to transmit a beam of charged particles within a tank having. a magnetic field passing therethrough; an ionization gauge within said tank displaced from the beam path, said gauge having a gaseous region therein communicating 4 with the space in the tank and means for provjecting charged particles through the gaseous :region under the influence of said magnetic field, a shield disposed about said gaseous region to prevent stray charged particles from the beam from entering said region, and means for measuring the degree of ionization produced in said region by said particles.

2. A pressure gauge comprising a pair of par- :allel spaced cathodes separated by an ionizable atmosphere and defining a discharge region therebetween, means establishing a magnetic field substantially coextensive with and normal to said cathodes through said region, a substantially ring-shaped anode disposed intermediate said cathodes, said anode lying wholly within said magnetic field in a plane parallel to said cathodes and having a diameter substantially less than the dimensions of the adjacent surfaces of said cathodes, means impressing a potential between said cathodes and anodewhereby a discharge is produced therebetween which is proportional to the pressure of said ionizable atmosphere within wide limits of variation of direction and intensity of said magnetic field, and measuring means for indicating the current flow between said cathodes and anode.

KENNETH MI. SIMPSON.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,197,079 Penning Apr. 16, 1940 2,374,205 Hoskins Apr. 2%, 1945 2,383,600 Grosdoff Aug. 28, 1945 2,490,468 Picard Dec. 6, 1949 2,506,431 Perret et al. Way 2, 1950 

